Centers of Excellence

Clinical Research

As leaders in cardiology, the physicians at Carient are committed to continuing their education and growing their understanding of the best practices and treatments. Often, this new knowledge comes about through clinical research, which is why our team at Carient is dedicated to conducting and participating in research protocols. The insights revealed through clinical research will enable our patients to obtain the newest treatments before they are available to the general public. Carient is one of the few sites in Northern Virginia that participates in large cardiovascular clinical trials that are otherwise only available to major academic centers.

Carient’s physicians are honored to participate in vital and impactful clinical research in the field of cardiology. This research ultimately leads to new advancements in the care we provide our patients. We have been selected to participate in many elite Cardiovascular Research Studies of new interventional devices and treatment modalities.

The Clinical Research Institute at Carient was established in 2010 under the supervision of Dr. Hamid Taheri. We have been selected to participate in many elite Cardiovascular Research Studies of new interventional devices and treatment modalities.

We are currently accepting new patients into the following studies:

Heart Failure

HERMES is a study to evaluate the effect of a new medication, added to standard of care, in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and Heart Failure events in patients with mildly reduced EF (ejection fraction) and inflammation. Participation is up to 3 years.

LUMINERA is a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new oral drug with patients who have Chronic Heart Failure. Participation is 8 months.

EASI HF is a study to evaluate the combined use of a new oral drug with empagliflozin compared with placebo and empagliflozin in participants with heart failure and an ejection fraction ≥40%. Participation is 3.5 years.

Aortic Stenosis

FRONTIERS is a study to assess the impact of lipoprotein(a) lowering with monthly SQ Pelacarsen on the progression of calcific AORTIC valve stenosis. Participation is every 3 month visits for 3 years.

Lipid Disorders

CORAL is a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new oral drug to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in participants at high risk. Participation is every 3 month visits for 6 years.

Coming Soon In 2025

  • Aortic Stenosis: Phase III; Ataciguat po daily vs placebo
  • Heart Failure w/Obesity
  • Heart Failure w/reduced EF: Phase III
  • Heart Failure w/ preserved EF
  • Hypercholesteremia: Phase III; New drug vs. statin vs. new drug + statin
  • Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Prevention

Please contact the Research Department via text or phone at 571.581.1771 for more information or if you are interested in participating in a study. Your provider can also speak to you more about being a candidate for a research study during your office visit. To be directed to ClinicalTrials.gov for a detailed description about each study, please click on the study title.

Additional research can be found by visiting clinicaltrials.gov